Missouri Man Arrested Near Channahon After Kidnapping Hoax

Photo: James Stammer

A 32-year-old Missouri man was arrested in Channahon after making false claims that he was being held against his will, according to a release from the Illinois State Police.

James Stamer, of St. Charles, Missouri, claimed he had been kidnapped after a night out with his co-workers. Stamer had made several calls to the Logan County 911 dispatch center at around 1 a.m. Sept. 15 and family and friends said they had received messages through texts and social media throughout the night saying he was being held against his will in a vehicle traveling north on I-55. According to the release, Stamer said to contact the state police for help.

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Illinois State Police District 5 troopers were able to locate the vehicle on I-55 near Channahon and opened an investigation. After interviews with Stamer and the driver of the vehicle, police determined that the kidnapping claims were merely a hoax perpetrated by Stamer without the knowledge of the driver. Stamer was taken into custody and charged with two counts of disorderly conduct, a class 3 felony.

“Due to the collaborative efforts of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies this situation concluded without incident. The Illinois State Police take these types of allegations very seriously and will ensure to actively enforce all violations of the law, including false reports,” said ISP Captain Darryl Bogard.